I’ve lived in Asia and Africa for half my life, and linen is a very summery and breathable fabric to wear in those hot climates. As a result, I’ve worn linen tops, skirts, pants, jackets, waistcoats, and dresses for decades. Usually in solids, and sometimes as patterns. Linen items were particularly big in the ’90s, and that’s when I had my largest capsule of linen everything. I liked wearing linen, and was at peace with the crease. It worked well when I lived in breezy and beachy Cape Town that has a Mediterranean climate.
Over the years, I’ve grown less fond of wearing linen clothing. I am no longer at peace with the crease, and more importantly, I don’t like the feeling of linen against my skin. Some linen items are scratchy and can irritate my skin. I much prefer the physical feeling of cotton and silk. I stopped buying linen items four years ago, but continued wearing the linen items I had.
Currently, I’ve passed on all linen items apart from this Boden citron co-ord. The colour launches me into orbit, and the set looks awfully punchy and beachy on a hot Summer’s day. This linen feels fine on my skin too. I adore the set when it’s freshly pressed and I haven’t moved much in it yet. By the end of the day, I don’t like the way the set has creased. I’m keeping it anyway. I’ll push through my annoyance with the crease just because of the colour and fit.
Granted, cotton poplin items can crease as badly as linen, but at least the cotton feels heavenly against my skin. No more linen for me. I’m breaking up with linen and focusing on cotton, silk, and cotton blends for Spring and Summer. How about you? Are you breaking up with linen, or another type of fabric?
